New BMW 1 and 3 Series models launched

* New BMW 1 Series and 3 Series models
* Entry-level 114d; new 3 Series engines
* First deliveries from November...

3 Sep 2012 11:00 | Last updated: 14 Jun 2018 00:03

A range of new BMW 1 Series and 3 Series models is available to order now.

The new 114d is an entry-level diesel version of the 1 Series. It has a 94bhp 1.6-litre engine and averages 65.7mpg and 112g/km of CO2.

Prices for the 114d are yet to be confirmed, but it'll be cheaper than the 116d, so a starting point of around 19,000 for the three-door ES model is likely. Full prices will be released closer to the 114d's November on-sale date.

BMW has announced details of xDrive four-wheel-drive 1 Series models for Europe, but there are no immediate plans to sell these in the UK.

The new BMW 316i is a new entry-level 3 Series model. It has a 134bhp turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and averages 47.9mpg and 134g/km of CO2. Prices start at 22,850 for the 316i ES 2030 lower than the current entry-level model, the 316d ES.

BMW has added a new 320i Efficient Dynamics model to the 3 Series range. It has a range of changes over the standard 320i, geared towards improving fuel economy and reducing emissions.

Power comes from a 168bhp 1.6-litre engine, rather than a 181bhp 2.0. The are special gearing and engine management settings, aerodynamic tweaks and low-rolling-resistance tyres. Average economy is 53.3mpg and the CO2 emissions figure is 124g/km; improvements of 8.5mpg and 23g/km over the standard 320i.

BMW has also expanded the range of engines available for the new 3 Series Touring. New 320i, 316d and 318d models have been added, so there are now two petrol and four diesel engines available.

An updated satellite-navigation system is now available for the 3 Series saloon. The new BMW Professional Navigation is already available for Touring models, but can now be specified for saloon versions, at 1995.

The updated system has a more powerful processor and extra functions. Improved connectivity features mean that it's possible to pair two mobile phones via Bluetooth, while there's also a function that allows the driver to dictate a text message using voice recognition.